Reimagined article (London, 21 December 2024 / updated mid-2025)
On a crisp Saturday morning in Hyde Park, London, dozens of runners — many of Igbo descent — gather near benches, shoes laced, Strava ready, drawn together not just by fitness but by cultural connection. This is Ozo Run Club, formed in mid-2024 to give young Igbo people in the UK a space to bond, celebrate heritage, and expand their social networks.
Co-founders Chibueze Odoemene, Emeka Atumonyogo, and Chigo Ogbonna say that within three months the club had grown to over 300 members. Each Saturday they split into pace groups — fast, medium, slow, walking — tracing routes through the park, and punctuate their runs with an Igbo call-and-response: “Igbo kwenu!” met by “Eyy.” More than a run club, Ozo hosts quiz nights, karaoke, dance-offs and social outings.
Though rooted in Igbo tradition, the club welcomes people of all backgrounds, with participants from countries including Iran, Italy, Caribbean nations, and other Nigerian ethnicities. The founders stress inclusion: “You don’t have to be Igbo to come,” they say.
As of early to mid-2025, Ozo remains active. Their Instagram page shows recurring weekly runs and social events. Event listings (via Eventbrite) show past sessions (e.g. March 2025) and themed runs such as “Bring Your Parents Run.”
SOURCES: BBC News (Danai Nesta Kupemba / BBC News), and OkayAfrica (Olayinka Owate)
IMAGE: Ogendigbbo
